Red Roses crash BDF to seal South Stream league

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday May 19, 2026 08:43

In what was billed as a potential title determiner between the league’s top two sides, the defending national champions showed their experience and attacking quality to move six points clear of BDF XI at the summit. With one match remaining, the title is now mathematically secured.

The result also saw Red Roses surpass the 200-goal mark for the season, continuing an impressive campaign in which the side has consistently combined strong attacking football with defensive solidity.

Coming into the encounter, BDF XI still had hopes of taking the race into the final round, but GU quickly took control of proceedings.

The hosts opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Keitumetse Dithebe finished from close range after being set up by Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse. Two minutes later, Ontlametse added the second as GU capitalised on a fast start that immediately placed the visitors under pressure.

BDF XI nearly found a response in the 10th minute through a Precious Tlhapi free-kick, but the effort was tipped over the crossbar. GU continued to dominate possession and attacking play, and Ontlametse made it 3-0 in the 19th minute with a long-range strike to complete a commanding first-half display.

The home side maintained the pressure after the break. Ontlametse completed her hat-trick in the 56th minute with another effort from range before Dithebe added the fifth in the 66th minute, tapping in a low cross from Lesego Radiakanyo.

Jessica Maponga also came close to adding another goal for GU when she struck the post midway through the second half.

Speaking after the match, interim coach, Khalid Ninyonzima, praised his players for executing the tactical plan and maintaining composure in a high-pressure fixture.

“Our objective was to keep the ball more because when you keep possession you create chances,” Ninyonzima said. “The players understood what was needed and tactically they did very well,' she added.

Ninyonzima also credited the team’s improvement in the second half of the season to tactical adjustments and a better understanding of the playing style.

The Southern Stream triumph now sets up a national championship clash between Red Roses and Northern Stream winners Orapa United. The winner of that tie will earn a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers.

The Teams

GU: Tlamelo Pheresi, Goitsemang Tlamma (Serati Modisenyane), Oteng Bonang, Kesegofetse Mochawe, Desiree Kenyaditswe, Obonetse Rathari (Botlhe Bagotsi), Nancy Baeletsi, Lesego Radiakanyo (Segakolodi Didukunyane), Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse (Amogelang Sebotho), Keitumetse Dithebe, Jessica Maponga

BDF XI: Marylin John, Katlo Marks, Chandapiwa Tafila (Kesegofetse Keentsheng), Boemo Sebako, Popego Simon, Pearl Sikwane, Precious Tlhapi, Malebogo Dumelang, Mitchell Abueng (Thato Diboko), Warona Molete, Katlo Omphitlhetse (Lemogang Mokaekae)

GU 5 (Dithebe sixth, 66th, Ontlametse eighth, 19th, 56th) BDF XI 0